A newsletter to keep you informed about all things women and politics from the Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers University

Primaries Galore

June 3 is Primary Day in eight states. New Jersey could be poised to send its first woman to Congress in more than a decade if, as expected, women win primaries in both parties for the open 12th CD seat (with other women also in the running in other Garden State districts). And Iowa could send its first woman ever to Capitol Hill (see below). Also nominating general election candidates today are Alabama, California, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota. Catch the latest news about women candidates across the nation via CAWP's Election Watch.

Congrats to our partners at Boise State University, who launch their inaugural NEW Leadership™ program this week. Watch News and Notes in the coming weeks for more from NEW Leadership™ programs in NJ and at our partners around the country.

Women Leading in Legislatures

Did you know that California just chose its third woman (Toni Atkins) as Assembly Speaker? That fact and much more can be found in CAWP's latest A Closer Lookresearch brief, which highlights women in state legislative leadership, today and in the past.

War on War on Women

Republican strategists are shaping a variety of responses to the "GOP war on women" narrative, says the Buffalo News. In addition to polishing communications approaches, they are targeting women voters, grooming female operatives, and seeking more women candidates.

And Another Take on GOP Women

Wisconsin's Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, writing in the National Journal, adds her voice to those calling for more Republican woman to run and serve. She cites the Right Women, Right Now initiative, which identifies and supports GOP women candidates.

Will Iowa Send a Woman to Washington?

Timemagazine uses Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, running in a tough primary today, as an illustration of how GOP women can create winning campaigns. If elected, Ernst would be the first Iowa woman in Congress, leaving just Delaware, Mississippi and Vermont as states that have never elected a woman to the U.S. Senate or House.

Getting Women Off the Sidelines

That's the goal of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, according to Newsday. Gillibrand has created a leadership PAC, Off the Sidelines, which aims to promote women's participation, both as candidates and as voters, with an emphasis on the Democratic side of the aisle.

Are You Running as a Woman?

Kentucky U.S. Senate candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes does not shy away from identifying herself as a woman candidate, parrying her opponent's characterization of her as "an empty dress." The Washington Postreports that Grimes, seeking to defeat Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, insists she is not an empty dress, a rubber stamp, or a cheerleader.

One Woman's Way

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune highlights Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who keeps a low profile but works across party lines to accomplish her goals.

How We Talk About Women Leaders

It's not pretty, according to the Huffington Post, which compares labels used to characterize women and men in leadership.